Leading American jockey Mike Smith was handed a nine-day whip suspension and a huge fine for his ride on runner-up Midnight Bisou in the inaugural Saudi Cup.
The Steve Asmussen-trained mare was beaten three-quarters of a length by fellow US raider Maximum Security in Saturday’s $20million feature in Riyadh, with Midnight Bisou earning her connections $3.5million for finishing second.
Smith was proud of Midnight Bisou in defeat, saying in the immediate aftermath: “She ran so well, and I am so proud of her. She ran awesome.
“I did everything – but we didn’t come first, but she won, do you know what I am saying? Amazing weekend.”
Smith would have been due 10 per cent of of the prize-money earned. However, the stewards later imposed an eight-day suspension for using his whip above the permitted level and forced him to forfeit 60 per cent of his earnings in the world’s most valuable race – a fine amounting to $210,000.
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